Bladed chassis systems

ABSTRACT

A bladed chassis system facilitates installation of the bladed chassis system and replacement of the blades at the chassis. For example, a front panel of the blade can be opened either upwardly or downwardly at the discretion of the user. Blades can be inserted and removed from the front and/or the rear of the bladed chassis system at the discretion of the user. Cables can be routed to the rear of the chassis system from either of two sides at the discretion of the user. The blades carried by the chassis have fiber management trays that can be rotationally oriented in any desired rotational position at the discretion of the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/518,464, filed Jul. 22, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/650,539, filed Jul. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,359,593, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/747,854, filed Jun. 23, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,709,765, whichapplication claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/015,886, filed Jun. 23, 2014, titled “Bladed Chassis Systems;” U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/018,193, filed Jun. 27, 2014, titled“Bladed Chassis Systems;” U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/082,429,filed Nov. 20, 2014, titled “Bladed Chassis Systems,” and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/159,084, filed May 8, 2015, titled“Bladed Chassis Systems,” which applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

In bladed chassis systems, optical adapters are mounted to one or moreblades that are disposable within a chassis. The blades can slideforwardly of the chassis to enhance access to the optical adapters.Cable clamps, anchors, or other fasteners can be fixed to the rear ofthe chassis to secure incoming cables in fixed positions relative to thechassis.

Improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to a bladed chassis system atwhich blades can be inserted and removed from the front and can beinserted and removed from the rear at the discretion of the user. Incertain examples, a rear portion of the chassis opens to enableinsertion and/or removal of the blades at the rear. In certain examples,a front portion of the chassis opens to enable insertion and/or removalof the blades at the front.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a chassis systemincludes a housing, a cable bracket, and a bracket cover. The housingincludes first and second sidewalls extending between a bottom wall anda top wall to define an interior. The first and second sides also extendbetween an open front of the housing and an open rear of the housing.The cable bracket is coupled to the housing at the open rear. The cablebracket is configured to pivot relative to the housing between a firstposition and a second position. The cable bracket extends at leastpartially across the open rear when in the first position. The cablebracket does not extend across the open rear when in the secondposition. The bracket cover is coupled to the housing at the open rear.The bracket cover is configured to pivot relative to the housing betweena first position and a second position. The bracket cover extends atleast partially across the open rear when in the first position. Thebracket cover does not extend across the open rear when in the secondposition. The bracket cover is configured to fasten to the cable bracketto hold the bracket cover and bracket in the first positions.

In certain examples, a blade is configured to mount within the interiorof the housing, the blade including at least one optical adapter. In anexample, the blade includes a plurality of optical adapters. In anexample, the blade is configured to slide relative to the housing.

In certain examples, the blade includes a fiber management trayincluding a fiber spool. In examples, the blade includes two fibermanagement trays. In an example, the fiber management tray is configuredto hold at least one fanout device. In an example, the fiber managementtray is configured to hold a plurality of fanout devices.

In an example, the blade is removable from the interior of the housingthrough the open front. In an example, the blade is removable from theinterior of the housing through the open rear when the cable bracket andthe bracket cover are in the second positions.

In certain examples, a front panel is configured to removably couple tothe chassis. The front panel extends across the open front of thechassis. In examples, arms extending forwardly of the housing, each armdefining a pivot hinge. The front panel includes slots sized to receivethe pivot hinges of the arms to pivotally couple the front panel to thechassis.

In an example, the arms are mounted towards the top of the housing,wherein the blade is removable from the housing through the open frontwhen the front panel is pivoted open. In an example, the arms aremounted towards the bottom of the housing. The blade is removable fromthe housing through the open front when the front panel is pivoted open.In an example, two of the arms are mounted towards the top of thehousing and two of the arms are mounted towards the bottom of thehousing.

In certain examples, the cable bracket is configured to receive aclamping assembly for holding one end of a cable to the cable bracket.The cable bracket carries the end of the cable as the cable bracketpivots between the first and second positions.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a blade arrangementfor use in a chassis system includes a blade including a base extendingbetween sidewalls that define outwardly facing slides; optical adaptersdisposed on the base; a fiber management tray disposed on the base; andforwardly extending arms having forward ends defining cable retainers.The optical adapters have forwardly facing ports and rearwardly facingports. The fiber management tray includes a spool and a fanout holderthat is configured to hold a fanout device. The fiber management traydefines a fastener opening that defines a rotational axis. The fibermanagement tray is configured to rotationally couple to the base in anydesired rotational orientation about the rotational axis, therebyenabling any fanout device held by the fanout holder to be disposed inany desired rotational orientation about the rotational axis.

In examples, the fanout holder of the fiber management tray isconfigured to hold a second fanout device. In examples, at least some ofthe forwardly extending arms define mounts for the plurality of opticaladapters. In an example, at least one of the forwardly extending arms isintegral with the base.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a method ofreplacing a blade within a chassis system includes decoupling a bracketcover from a cable bracket at a rear of a chassis; pivoting the bracketcover and the cable bracket away from the chassis to reveal an open rearof the chassis; and sliding the blade out of the chassis through theopen rear. The cable bracket carries a cable routed into the chassisthrough the rear of the chassis.

In certain examples, the method of replacing also includes sliding areplacement blade into the chassis through the open rear; pivoting thecable bracket to extend partially across the open rear; pivoting thebracket cover to contact the cable bracket, thereby closing the openrear; and coupling the bracket cover to the cable bracket.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a kit for installinga bladed chassis system includes a chassis housing defining an interior;a cable bracket that is mountable to an open rear of the chassishousing; and a bracket cover that is mountable to the chassis housing atthe open rear. The cable bracket is pivotally coupled to the chassishousing at a selected one of the first side and the second side of thechassis housing. The cable bracket extends across a first portion of theopen rear of the chassis housing when pivoted to a closed position. Thecable bracket reveals the first portion of the open rear when pivoted toan open position. The bracket cover is pivotally coupled to the chassishousing at the other of the first side and the second side of thechassis housing. The bracket cover extends across a second portion ofthe open rear of the chassis housing when pivoted to a closed position.The bracket cover reveals the second portion of the open rear whenpivoted to an open position.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a method ofinstalling a bladed chassis system at a frame includes providing abladed chassis system including a chassis, a cable bracket, and aplurality of blades. The cable bracket is pivotally coupled to a rear ofthe chassis to define an exposed cable port facing in a first directionand a covered cable port facing in a second direction that is differentfrom the first direction. The method also includes determining whetherthe first side or the second side of the frame is a cabled side bydetermining whether a cable is disposed at the first side or the secondside of the frame; orienting the chassis at the frame in a firstorientation so that the exposed cable port faces towards the cabled sideof the frame; mounting the cable to the cable bracket and closing therear of the chassis with the cable bracket; and installing the blades inthe chassis while the chassis is oriented in the first orientation.

In certain examples, the method also includes mounting a front panel tothe chassis while the chassis is oriented in the first orientation.

In certain examples, the method also includes removing the blades fromthe chassis; moving the cable bracket to an open position and detachingthe cable from the cable bracket; flipping the chassis upside-down intoa second orientation and mounting the chassis in the second orientation;mounting the cable to the cable bracket and closing the rear of thechassis with the cable bracket; installing the blades in the chassiswhile the chassis is oriented in the second orientation; and mountingthe front panel to the chassis while the chassis is oriented in thesecond orientation.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a chassis systemincludes a housing and blades configured to slide relative to thehousing and to be retained within the housing. The housing includesfirst and second sidewalls extending between a bottom wall and a topwall to define an interior. The first and second sides also extendbetween an open front of the housing and an open rear of the housing.Each of the first and second sides includes a guide member. Each bladeincludes a latching arrangement configured to cooperate with the guidemember to lock the blade into at least one discrete position and toallow the blade to selectively move relative to the housing between thediscrete positions.

In certain implementations, the latching arrangement of each blade isconfigured to lock the blade into an operation position and into aconnector access position, which is located forwardly of the operationposition. In certain examples, the latching arrangement of each blade isconfigured to lock the blade into an adapter access position, which islocated forwardly of the connector access position. In certain examples,each blade is further movable relative to the housing to a discreteposition located rearwardly of the operation position.

In certain implementations, the blade is removable from the housingthrough the open front. In certain implementations, the blade isremovable from the housing through the open rear.

In certain implementations, each guide member has an inner surfacethrough which one or more channels are defined. The channels areelongated between the front and rear of the inner surface. Each channelis sized to receive the slide of one blade. A forward end of eachchannel is open to the front of the housing. Each channel defines anotch at a stop location along the channel. Each channel also defines atrough recessed rearwardly from the forward end of each channel.

In certain implementations, each latching arrangement includes a slidesized and shaped to ride along one of the channels of the guide member,two forward stop members disposed at opposite sides of the slide, and arearward stop member that extends outwardly beyond the slide. The twoforward stop members do not extend laterally outwardly beyond the slide.Each latching arrangement also includes a forward deflectable handle anda rearward deflectable handle. Deflection of the forward handle causesthe forward stop members to move towards the blade and deflection of therearward handle causes the rearward stop member to move towards theblade.

In certain examples, a spring is coupled to the blade to strengthen theforward handle.

In certain examples, a latch member also is coupled to the blade. Thelatch member has forward and rearward ends that pivot relative to theblade about the pivot location. The forward end of the latch bodydefines a handle. The rearward end of the latch body includes a stopmember so that the stop member deflects laterally inwardly when thehandle is deflected laterally outwardly.

In certain implementations, the guide member includes a rail configuredto glide within a channel defined by the latching arrangement. Incertain examples, the latching arrangement includes a body that supportsa first handle, a second handle, and one or more stop members, eachhandle can be moved forwardly and rearwardly relative to the body alonga travel distance.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the description, illustrate several aspects of the presentdisclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example bladed chassis systemincluding blades mounted within a chassis and a multi-fiber cable routedto a rear of the chassis;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bladed chassis system of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the bladed chassis system of FIG. 1with a cable bracket and a bracket cover moved to open positions;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bladed chassis system of FIG. 3 froman opposite side of the system with the cable removed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example cable bracket suitable foruse in bladed chassis systems;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example clamping assembly suitablefor use in bladed chassis systems;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example bladed chassis system withthe cable bracket and the bracket cover mounted to opposite sidescompared to the bladed chassis system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example bladed chassis system;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example blade suitable for use in anyof the bladed chassis systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 9 with an adaptermounting arrangement exploded from a base of the blade;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another blade suitable for use in anyof the bladed chassis systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is an example fiber management tray suitable for use with any ofthe blades disclosed herein;

FIG. 13 is another example fiber management tray suitable for use withany of the blades disclosed herein;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an example front panel mounted ina closed position to an example chassis;

FIG. 15 shows the front panel moved to a first open position relative tothe chassis;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows the front panel moved to a second open position relativeto the chassis;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows another example front panel mounted to the examplechassis;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the bladed chassis system of FIG. 1with a first end wall and some of the blades removed to expose the guidechannels;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of another example bladed chassissystem including blades mounted within a chassis;

FIG. 23 shows a front panel opened to reveal an interior of the chassisof FIG. 22, a blade exploded from a front of the chassis, and amulti-fiber cable routed to a rear of the chassis;

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the chassis of FIG. 22 havingmultiple cable brackets and bracket covers and with multiple cablesrouted to the rear of the chassis;

FIG. 25 shows the bladed chassis system of FIG. 24 without themulti-fiber cables;

FIG. 26 shows the bladed chassis system of FIG. 25 with one of the cablebrackets and the corresponding bracket cover moved to the open position;

FIG. 27 shows the bladed chassis system of FIG. 24 with only a singlecable bracket and bracket cover and with a single cable routed to therear of the chassis;

FIG. 28 shows the bladed chassis system of FIG. 27 with the bracketcover moved to the open position;

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of an example blade configured to beutilized in any of the bladed chassis systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of another example blade configuredto be utilized in any of the bladed chassis systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of an example cassette carryingadapters that can be mounted to the blade of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the cassette of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of an example hinge arrangementcoupling an example chassis and an example front panel;

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the example hinge arrangement ofFIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an example chassis holding an exampleblade;

FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of an example guide member of anexample latching assembly;

FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the guide member of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of an example latching arrangement suitablefor use with the guide member of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 38 with the latchmember disposed in an undeflected position;

FIG. 40 is a bottom view of the blade and latching arrangement of FIG.39 with hidden portions of the latch member shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 41 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 38 with the latchmember disposed in a deflected position;

FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the blade and latching arrangement of FIG.41 with hidden portions of the latch member shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an example latching assembly suitablefor use in guiding a blade along a chassis;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an example guide member along which arespective latching arrangement can slide;

FIG. 45 is an exploded view of an example latching arrangement suitablefor use with the guide member of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a top plan view of portions of the latching arrangement ofFIG. 45; and

FIG. 47 is an axial cross-sectional view of the latching assembly ofFIG. 43 showing the positions of the stop members relative to the guidemember when the blade is disposed in an operation position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure relates generally to a bladed chassis system thatfacilitates installation of the bladed chassis system and replacement ofthe blades at the chassis. For example, in certain examples, a frontpanel of the blade can be opened either upwardly or downwardly at thediscretion of the user. In certain examples, blades can be inserted andremoved from the front and/or the rear of the bladed chassis system atthe discretion of the user. In certain examples, cables can be routed tothe rear of the chassis system from either of two sides at thediscretion of the user. In certain examples, the blades carried by thechassis have fiber management trays that can be rotationally oriented inany desired rotational position at the discretion of the user.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one example bladed chassis system 100 including achassis 110 and a blade 150, 160. The chassis system 100 has a front101, a rear 102, a top 103, a bottom 104, a first side 105, and a secondside 106. The chassis 110 includes a housing 111 having two sidewalls113 extending between a first end wall 112 (FIG. 3) and a second endwall 114 (FIG. 1). The first end wall 112, sidewalls 113, and second endwall 114 define an interior 115 (FIG. 3) having an open front 116 and anopen rear 117 (FIG. 3). Interior surfaces of the sidewalls 113 defineguide channels 118 at which the blades 150, 160 can be received (seeFIG. 3). Mounting brackets 119 are disposed at exterior surfaces of thesidewalls 113.

The chassis system 100 is configured to receive one or more multi-fibercables 190 at the rear 102 of the chassis system 100. In certainexamples, the chassis system 100 defines one or more side ports 108, 109at the rear 102 of the chassis system 100. As will be described in moredetail herein, one or more multi-fiber cables 190 can be received andanchored at one of the ports 108, 109 at the discretion of the user. Incertain implementations, the other of the ports 108, 109 can be coveredto protect the optical fibers within the interior 115 of the chassis110.

A cable bracket 120 and a bracket cover 130 are mounted to the chassishousing 111 at the open rear 117. Each of the cable bracket 120 and thebracket cover 130 are movable between an open position and a closedposition. The cable bracket 120 and the bracket cover 130 cooperate toclose the open rear 117 when both are disposed in the closed positions(see FIG. 2). The cable bracket 120 and the bracket cover 130 alsocooperate to define one of the side ports 108, 109 and to cover theother of the side ports 108, 109 when disposed in the closed positions.Moving both the cable bracket 120 and bracket cover 130 to the openpositions reveals the open rear sufficient to enable a blade 150, 160 tobe inserted and/or removed at the open rear 117 of the chassis housing111 (see FIG. 3).

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one example cable bracket 120 configured to beutilized in the chassis system 100. The cable bracket 120 is configuredto carry one or more multi-fiber cables 190 (e.g., see FIG. 3). Incertain implementations, the cable bracket 120 includes a bottom member122 and a top member 123 extending outwardly from a closure wall 121. Ahinge bracket 124 is pivotally coupled to the closure wall 121 using ahinge 125. The hinge bracket 124 is coupled to the chassis housing 111(e.g., at one of the sidewalls 113) to pivotally mount the cable bracket120 to the chassis 110. Accordingly, in the example shown, the cablebracket 120 is configured to pivot between a closed position and an openposition. The cable bracket extends at least partially across the openrear 117 of the chassis housing 111 when in the closed position. Thecable bracket 120 does not extend across the open rear 117 when in theopen position.

The cable bracket 120 is configured to support a clamping assembly 195to secure the cable 190 to the cable bracket 120. FIG. 6 illustrates oneexample clamping assembly 195 for holding one or more cables. Theclamping assembly 195 includes one or more gasket members 196 heldbetween two clamp members 197. The gasket member(s) 196 is disposedaround a cable 190 to be clamped. The clamp members 197 and gasketmembers 196 define aligned fastener apertures 198 through which afastener can extend to hold the clamp members 197 and gasket members 196together. Tightening the fastener increases a compressive force betweenthe two clamp members 197. In certain examples, one or more clampingassemblies 195 can be disposed adjacent each other so that the fastenerapertures 198 align. Accordingly, a fastener can simultaneously apply acompressive force to multiple clamping assemblies 195.

As shown in FIG. 5, the closure wall 121 of the cable bracket 120defines first apertures 127 that are sized and positioned to align withthe fastener apertures 198 of a clamping assembly 195 mounted to thecable bracket 120 (e.g., see FIG. 8). Accordingly, the fastener can beinserted through the closure wall 121 (via the first apertures 127) inaddition to the clamping assembly 195, thereby securing the clampingassembly 195 to the closure wall 121. In certain examples, the cablebracket 120 includes support members 126 at an opposite side of the topand bottom members 122, 123 from the closure wall 121. The supportmembers 126 also define fastener apertures 127 to receive the fastenersof the clamping assemblies 195. The support members 126 may provide abracing surface for a nut to hold the fasteners in position.

The bottom and top members 122, 123 of the cable bracket 120 define openends 129 to accommodate the cable 190 and fibers 191 (FIG. 3) extendingfrom the cable bracket 120. In particular, the cable 190 extends intothe cable bracket 120 at a first of the ends 129 and fibers 191 of thecable 190 extend out of the cable bracket 120 at a second of the ends129. Accordingly, the first end 129 of the cable bracket 120 providesaccess to one of the side ports 108, 109 of the chassis system 100. Thecable bracket 120 also includes second apertures 128 spaced from thefirst apertures 127. In certain examples, the second apertures 128 arelaterally spaced along the closure wall 121 from the bottom member 122and the top member 123 (see FIG. 5). In examples, the second apertures128 are disposed between the hinge 125 and the second open end 129 (seeFIG. 5).

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate one example bracket cover 130 configured to beutilized in the chassis system 100. The bracket cover 130 includes aclosure wall 131 that is coupled to a hinge bracket 134 via a hinge 135.The hinge bracket 134 is coupled to the chassis housing 111 (e.g., atone of the sidewalls 113) to pivotally mount the bracket cover 130 tothe chassis 110. Accordingly, in the example shown, the bracket cover130 is configured to pivot between a closed position and an openposition. The bracket cover 130 extends at least partially across theopen rear 117 of the chassis housing 111 when in the closed position.The bracket cover 130 does not extend across the open rear 117 when inthe open position.

The bracket cover 130 is configured to secure to the cable bracket 120to hold the cable bracket 120 in position. For example, the closure wall131 includes or is coupled to a fastening section 136 that definesapertures 137 (FIG. 4) that align with the second apertures 128 of thecable bracket 120 when the bracket cover 130 and cable bracket 120 aredisposed in the closed positions. One or more fasteners (e.g., setscrews) 138 extend through the apertures 137 and the second apertures128 to releasably secure the bracket cover 130 to the cable bracket 120.Loosening or removing the fasteners 138 enables the bracket cover 130 tobe moved (e.g., pivoted) away from the cable bracket 120.

The bracket cover 130 is configured to close one of the side ports 108,109. For example, the bracket cover 130 includes a port cover 132 thatextends across one of the side ports 108, 109 when the bracket cover 130is disposed in the closed position. In examples, the port cover 132 islocated closer to the hinge 135 than t the apertures 137. In certainimplementations, the bracket cover 130 also includes a notch 139 oraperture that provides access to one of the side ports 108, 109. Inexamples, the notch 139 is located at an opposite side of the closurewall 131 from the port cover 132 (see FIG. 4). In an example, theapertures 137 are located at the first end 129 of the cable bracket 120when the bracket cover 130 is coupled to the cable bracket 120 (e.g.,see FIG. 2). In another example, the apertures 137 are located at thesecond end 129 of the cable bracket 120 when the bracket cover 130 iscoupled to the cable bracket 120 (e.g., see FIG. 8).

In some implementations, the cable bracket 120 and the bracket cover 130are symmetrical about a horizontal axis. Accordingly, each of the cablebracket 120 and the bracket cover 130 can be selectively mounted toeither side 105, 106 of the chassis housing 111, e.g., by flipping thepiece upside down (compare FIGS. 3 and 7). The cable bracket 120 andbracket cover 130 enable a user, during installation of the chassissystem 100, to select at which of the sides 105, 106 of the chassissystem 100 the user wants to introduce the multi-fiber cable(s) 190. Theuser mounts the cable bracket 120 to the selected side 105, 106 andmounts the bracket cover 130 to the other side 105, 106.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the chassis 110 canbe flipped upside-down to change the direction in which the open port108, 109 faces without using tools. Flipping the chassis 110 causes theopen port 108, 109 to face in the opposite direction from where it wasfacing. The guides 118 of the chassis 110 are structured to receive theblades 150 in a first orientation and in a second orientation that isflipped 180° from the first orientation. Accordingly, the blades 150 canbe installed in the chassis 110 when the chassis is disposed in a firstorientation; the blades 150 also can be installed in the chassis 110when the chassis 110 is disposed in a second orientation that is flipped180° from the first orientation.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the guides 118 includechannels recessed into an interior surface of each sidewall 113. Incertain examples, the guide channels 118 extend between the open front116 and the open rear 117 of the chassis 110. In certain examples, theguide channels 118 are symmetrical about a horizontal axis.

When the bladed chassis system 100 is installed at a frame, the chassis110 can be installed in either the first orientation or the secondorientation based on where the cable is routed to on the frame. If thecable is routed to the first side of the frame, then the chassis 110 canbe installed in the first orientation so that the open cable port facesthe first side of the frame and the closed cable port faces the secondside of the frame. If the cable is routed to the second side of theframe, then the chassis 110 can be installed in the second orientationso that the open cable port faces the second side of the frame and theclosed cable port faces the first side of the frame. The blades 150 canbe inserted into the chassis in the same orientation relative to theframe regardless of whether the chassis is mounted in the frame in thefirst or second orientation. As will be discussed in more detail herein,a front panel 140 can be coupled to the chassis 110 regardless of theorientation of the chassis 110.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example bladed chassis system 100′ includinga chassis 110′ and a blade 150, 160. The bladed chassis system 100′ issubstantially similar to the bladed chassis system 100 shown in FIGS.1-7 except for the design of the cable bracket 120′ and the bracketcover 130′. The cable bracket 120′ and the bracket cover 130′ aresubstantially the same as the cable bracket 120 and bracket cover 130shown in FIGS. 1-7, except as discussed below.

The cable bracket 120′ shown in FIG. 8 does not include support membersopposite the closure wall. Furthermore, the closure wall of the cablebracket 120′ does not define the second apertures for receivingfasteners 138′ from the bracket cover 130. Rather, retention flanges126′ extend from the bottom 122′ member and top member of the cablebracket 120′. Each retention flange 126′ defines an aperture throughwhich one of the fasteners 138′ can extend to secure the bracket cover130′ to the cable bracket 120′.

The bracket cover 130′ shown in FIG. 8 does not include a notchproviding access to the open side port 108, 109. Rather, the fasteningsection 136′ of the bracket cover 130′ is coplanar with the closure wall131′. The fastening section 136′ extends across the retention flanges126′ of the cable bracket 120′ to align the fastener apertures when thecable bracket 120′ and the bracket cover 130′ are in the closedpositions.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate example blades 150, 160 configured to mount withinthe interior 115 of a bladed chassis system 100, 100′. Each blade 150,160 includes a base 151 having slides 152 disposed at opposite sidesthereof. The slides 152 are configured to ride in the guides 118 definedin the chassis 110. The slides 152 enable the blade 150, 160 to slideforwardly and rearwardly relative to the chassis 110. Each slide 152includes a first release 152 a at the forward end of the blade 150, 160and a second release 152 b at the rearward end of the blade 150. Eachblade 150, 160 also includes a forward and rearward catch or stop 153.Flexing the first release 152 a releases the forward stop 153 from aninterior surface of the chassis sidewalls 113. Flexing the secondrelease 152 b releases the rearward stop 153 from an interior surface ofthe chassis sidewalls 113.

A front edge 154 of the base 151 is disposed at an intermediate positionalong the slides 152. A rearward edge is disposed towards the rearwardend of the slides 152. In certain examples, a flange 158 extends from arearward edge of the base 151 of the blade 150, 160. In some examples,the flange 158 defines one or more openings 159 to provide a handle fora user to withdraw the blade 150, 160 through the rear 117 of thechassis 110. In other examples, the flange 158 otherwise provides ahandle or handhold for the user to manipulate the blade 150, 160 fromthe rear 102 of the chassis system 100, 100′.

One or more support members 155 extend forwardly from the front edge 154of the blade 150, 160. An adapter mounting arrangement 170 can bemounted to the support member 155. In certain examples, the supportmember 155 includes connection structures that cooperate with connectionstructures on the adapter mounting arrangement 170. In the exampleshown, the support member 155 includes a notched end 165 a, a firstaperture 165 b, a second aperture 165 c, and a pin 165 d.

One example adapter mounting arrangement 170 is shown in FIG. 10. Theadapter mounting arrangement 170 extends from a first end 171 to asecond end 172. The first end 171 defines a retention section 173. Inthe example shown, the retention section 173 defines a passage throughwhich fibers or patch cables can be routed. A gap 174 may enable thefibers or patch cables to enter the passage without being threadedtherethrough. In other examples, the retention section 173 can beotherwise shaped to guide the fibers or patch cables away from the front101 of the chassis system 100 while inhibiting tangling and/or excessivebending of the fibers and/or patch cables.

Each adapter mounting arrangement 170 includes an adapter mount 175. Oneor more adapter blocks 200, 205 couple to the adapter mount 175 of theadapter mounting arrangements 170. In certain examples, a first end ofeach adapter block 200, 205 couples to an adapter mount 175 at a firstadapter mount arrangement 170 and a second end of each adapter block200, 205 couples to an adapter mount 175 at a second adapter mountarrangement 170. In the example shown, the adapter mount 175 includesguide channels and a latch. In other examples, the adapter mount caninclude guide pins, guide apertures, or other retention structures. Inthe example shown, the adapter mounting arrangement 170 includes twoadapter mounts 175 facing in opposite directions.

The adapter mounting arrangement 170 is configured to secure to thesupport member 155. For example, in certain implementations, the adaptermounting arrangement 170 includes a first upwardly facing ledge 176, asecond upwardly facing ledge 177, a downwardly extending tab 178, and acap 179. The cap 179 is disposed at the second end 172 of the adaptermounting arrangement 170. The tab 178 is disposed adjacent the cap 179.The first ledge 176 is disposed between the first end 171 and theadapter mount 175. The second ledge 177 is disposed between the adaptermount 175 and the tab 178.

To mount the adapter mounting arrangement 170 to the support member 155of the blade 150, 160, the first ledge 176 is aligned with the notchedend 156 a of the support member 155 and the second ledge 177 is alignedwith the first aperture 156 b. As the adapter mounting arrangement 170is slid rearwardly relative to the blade 150, 160, the adapter mountingarrangement 170 is rotated so that the tab 178 enters the secondaperture 156 c and the cap 179 covers the pin 156 d. The cap 179 and tab178 hold the adapter mounting arrangement 170 from sliding forwardly torelease the first and second ledges 176, 177.

In some implementations, an example blade 160 includes a retention arm165 that extend outwardly from the front edge 154 of the blade base 151between two adjacent ones of the adapter mounting arrangements 170 (seeFIG. 11). The retention arm 165 is flat, thereby allowing an adapterblock 205 to extend over the retention arm 165 between the two adaptermounting arrangements 170. A distal end of the retention arm 165provides a retention section 166. In the example shown in FIG. 11, theretention section 166 includes a hook folded back to face the rear 102of the bladed chassis system 100, 100′. In other implementations, anexample blade 150 includes only adapter mounting arrangements 170extending outwardly from the front edge 154 of the blade base 151 (seeFIG. 9).

In some implementations, the adapter block 200 has accessiblerearwardly-facing ports for receiving the fibers 191 of the multi-fibercable 190. In such implementations, the adapter block 200 is sized sothat the front edge 154 of the blade base 151 is spaced rearwardly fromrearwardly-facing ports of the adapter block 200. Thereby, finger accessfor the rearwardly-facing ports is provided (see FIG. 9). In otherimplementations, the adapter block 205 is sized to reach or extend overthe front edge 154 of the blade base 151. In some such implementations,the adapter block 205 has sideways-facing ports for receiving the fibers191 of the multi-fiber cable 190. In the example shown in FIG. 11, thebase 151 of the blade 160 defines apertures 164 and a rail 163 thataccommodate the adapter block 205.

In accordance with some implementations, the blades 150, 160 include oneor more fiber management trays. Each fiber management tray 180 defines afastener aperture that defines a rotational axis AR (FIG. 9). The fibermanagement tray can be positioned on the blade base 151 in any selectedrotational orientation and then secured to the base 151 in the selectedrotational orientation by a fastener. In some examples, the blade base151 also defines a fastener aperture for receiving the fastener. Inother examples, the blade base 151 includes an upwardly extending pin156 (FIG. 11) that fits into the fastener aperture 156. In an example, afastener can be inserted through the fastener aperture 156 and into thepin 156.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate two examples of fiber management trays 180,180′. Each fiber management tray 180, 180′ includes a spool 181 and afanout holder 187. The spool 181 includes a drum 182 extending upwardlyfrom a tray base 183. Retaining tabs 184 extend upwardly from the traybase 183 at location radially spaced from the drum 182 andcircumferentially spaced from each other. In the example shown,retaining fingers 185 extend outwardly from the drum 182 and inwardlyfrom the retaining tabs 184. The fastener aperture 186 is definedthrough the drum 182.

The fanout holder 187 includes at least one holding structure 189extending upwardly from a base 188, which is coupled to the tray base183 of the spool 181. In the example tray 180 shown in FIG. 12, thefanout holder 187 includes a single holding structure 189. In theexample tray 180′ shown in FIG. 13, the fanout holder 187′ includesmultiple (e.g., two) holding structures 189. In the examples shown, theholding structure 189 includes latching arms. In some of the examplesshown, the holding structures include pegs.

FIGS. 14-19 illustrate a moveable and removable front panel 140 thatextends across the open front 116 of the chassis 110. The chassis 110includes at least two arms 148 that extend forwardly of the open front116 of the chassis 110 from opposite sides 105, 106 of the chassis 110.The front panel 140 removably couples to distal ends of the arms 148. Insome examples, the arms 148 are located towards the top 103 of thechassis 110. In other examples, the arms 148 are located towards thebottom 104 of the chassis 110. In still other examples, the chassis 110includes two arms 148 towards the top 103 and two arms 148 towards thebottom 104. The distal ends of the arms 148 define pinot pins 149.

The front panel 140 includes a wall 141 that extends from a first end142 to a second end 143. A mounting structure 144 is disposed at eachend 142, 143. As shown in FIG. 16, each mounting structure 144 includesat least one pin receptacle 145. The pin receptacle 145 is configured tosnap over (or otherwise connect to) the pivot pins 149 of the forwardlyextending arms 148. In certain examples, each mounting structure 144includes two pin receptacles 145. In such examples, the top pinreceptacles 145 are configured to snap over the pivot pins 149 of thetop arms 148 and the bottom pin receptacles 145 are configured to snapover the pivot pins 149 of the bottom arms 148 (see. FIG. 16).

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the front panel 140is movable (e.g., pivotable) between a closed position (FIG. 14) and afirst open position (FIG. 15). For example, the top pin receptacles 145can be detached from the pivot pins 149 of the top arms 148, therebyallowing the front panel 140 to pivot about the pivot pins 149 of thebottom arms 148. When in the first open position, the front panel 140 isretracted sufficiently from the open front 116 to enable blades 150, 160to be installed into and/or removed from the chassis 110 through theopen front. In certain examples, when in the first open position, thefront panel 140 is retracted sufficiently from the open front 116 toenable blades 150, 160 to be installed into and/or removed from anyblade position within the chassis 110 through the open front.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the front panel 140is movable (e.g., pivotable) to a second open position (FIG. 17). Forexample, the bottom pin receptacles 145 can be detached from the pivotpins 149 of the bottom arms 148, thereby allowing the front panel 140 topivot about the pivot pins 149 of the top arms 148. When in the secondopen position, the front panel 140 is retracted sufficiently from theopen front 116 to enable blades 150, 160 to be installed into and/orremoved from the chassis 110 through the open front. In certainexamples, when in the second open position, the front panel 140 isretracted sufficiently from the open front 116 to enable blades 150, 160to be installed into and/or removed from any blade position within thechassis 110 through the open front.

In certain examples, a side flange 146 extends rearwardly from each end142, 143 the wall 141. In certain examples, the wall 141 includes one ormore handles 147 that aid a user in manipulating the front panel 140. Inthe example shown in FIG. 14, the front panel 140 has a handle 147 ateach end 142, 143. The handles 147 extend forwardly of the wall 141. Inother examples, the wall 141 includes one or more notches 147′ that aida user in manipulating the front panel 140. In the example shown in FIG.19, the front panel 140 has a notch 147′ at each end 142, 143.

In certain implementations, the front panel 140 can be attached to thechassis 110 in a first orientation and in a second orientation that isflipped 180° from the first orientation. Accordingly, the handle 147 canbe selectively disposed at the top or bottom of the front panel wall141. In particular, the handle 147 can be selectively disposed at thetop or bottom of the front panel wall 141 regardless of the orientationof the chassis 110. For example, the front panel 140 can be coupled tothe chassis 110 while the chassis 110 is disposed in a first orientationso that the handle 147 of the front panel 140 extends from a top of thewall 141. The front panel 140 can be removed from the chassis 110, thechassis can be flipped 180°, and the front panel 140 can be reinstalledon the chassis 110 with the handle 147 extending from the top of thewall 141.

FIGS. 22-32 illustrate another example bladed chassis system 300including a chassis 310 and at least one blade 350, 360. In variousimplementations, the chassis 310 can hold multiple (e.g., two, three,four, five, six, eight, etc.) blades 350, 360. Accordingly, the chassis310 can be sized at 1 RU (rack unit), 2 RU, 3 RU, 4 RU, 5 RU, 6 RU, etc.The chassis system 300 has a front 301, a rear 302, a top 303, a bottom304, a first side 305, and a second side 306. The chassis 310 includes ahousing 311 having two sidewalls 313 extending between a first end wall312 (FIG. 23) and a second end wall 314 (FIG. 22). The first end wall312, sidewalls 313, and second end wall 314 define an interior 315having an open front 316 and an open rear 317.

Interior surfaces of the sidewalls 313 include guides 318 at which theblades 350, 360 can be received. The guides 318 define channels withinwhich portions of the blades 350, 360 slide. In certain examples, theguides 318 extend between the open front 316 and the open rear 317 ofthe chassis 310. In certain examples, the guides 318 are symmetricalabout a horizontal axis. In certain examples, the guides 318 includehooks that extend through elongated openings defined in the sidewalls313. The guides 318 also define ramped shoulders at one end that inhibitsliding movement of the guides 318 when the shoulders snap into openingsdefined in the sidewalls 313. In certain examples, the sidewalls 313define an extra opening for each guide 318 through which a tool can beinserted to release the shoulders from the openings, thereby freeing theguide 318 for sliding movement to enable removal from the sidewall 313.

In certain examples, a shelf 307 can be disposed within the interior 315at an intermediate location between the first and second end walls 312,314. The shelf 307 facilitates managing the optical fibers within theinterior 315. For example, the shelf 307 helps to separate the opticalfibers of blades 350, 360 mounted to guides 318 at the bottom of thesidewalls 313 from the optical fibers of blades 350, 360 mounted toguides 318 at the top of the sidewalls 313. In certain examples, theblades 350, 360 are mounted to the guides 318 at the top of thesidewalls 313 first. In such implementations, the shelf 307 retains theoptical fibers out of a bottom section of the chassis 310 to facilitateloading blades 350, 360 into the bottom section of the chassis 310.

Mounting brackets 319 are disposed at exterior surfaces of the sidewalls313. In certain examples, a shelf bracket 319 can be mounted to the rackat which the bladed chassis system 300 is to be received. The chassis310 can seat upon the shelf bracket 319 to provide additional supportfor the bladed chassis system 300. A front panel 340 can be coupled tothe chassis 310 at the open front 316. In certain examples, the frontpanel 340 can pivot downwardly to expose the open front 316 of thechassis 310. In certain examples, the front panel 340 also can pivotupwardly to expose the open front 316.

As shown in FIG. 24, the chassis system 300 is configured to receive oneor more multi-fiber cables 390 at the rear 302 of the chassis system300. In certain examples, the chassis system 300 defines one or morecable ports 308 at the rear 302 of the chassis system 300. In certainimplementations, the cable port(s) 308 is disposed at an intermediatelocation along the rear 301 of the bladed chassis system 300. In someimplementations, the cable port(s) 308 faces towards a first side 305 ofthe chassis 310. In other implementations, the cable port(s) 308 facestowards a second side 306 of the chassis 310. In certainimplementations, a first cable port 308 can face towards the first side305 while a second cable port 208 faces towards the second side 306. Aswill be described in more detail herein, one or more multi-fiber cables390 can be received and anchored at the ports 308.

As shown in FIGS. 25-28, at least one cable bracket 320 and at least onebracket cover 330 are mounted to the chassis housing 311 at the openrear 317. Each of the cable bracket 320 and the bracket cover 330 ismovable between an open position (FIG. 26) and a closed position (FIG.25). The cable brackets 320 and bracket covers 330 cooperate to closethe open rear 317 when both are disposed in the closed positions (seeFIGS. 25 and 27). In certain implementations, the shelf 307 (FIG. 23)disposed within the chassis interior 315 separates the chassis interior315 into top and bottom sections. In some such implementations, each ofthe sections has a corresponding cable bracket 320 and bracket cover 330so that only one section need be opened to obtain access to the blades350, 360 of that section. In other implementations, a single bracketcover 330 can be utilized with multiple cable brackets 320. In stillother implementations, a single cable bracket 320 can be utilized withmultiple bracket covers 330.

The cable bracket 320 and the bracket cover 330 also cooperate to defineone or more cable ports 308 when disposed in the closed positions.Moving both the cable bracket 320 and bracket cover 330 to the openpositions reveals the open rear 317 sufficient to enable a blade 350,360 to be inserted and/or removed at the open rear 317 of the chassishousing 311 (see FIG. 27).

FIGS. 26 and 28 illustrate examples of a cable bracket 320 configured tobe utilized in the chassis system 300. The cable bracket 320 isconfigured to carry one or more multi-fiber cables 390 (e.g., see FIGS.24 and 27). In certain implementations, the cable bracket 320 includes aclosure wall 321. A hinge bracket 324 is pivotally coupled to theclosure wall 321 using a hinge 325. The hinge bracket 324 is coupled tothe chassis housing 311 (e.g., at one of the sidewalls 313) to pivotallymount the cable bracket 320 to the chassis 310. Accordingly, in theexample shown, the cable bracket 320 is configured to pivot between aclosed position and an open position. The cable bracket 320 extends atleast partially across the open rear 317 of the chassis housing 311 whenin the closed position. The cable bracket 320 does not extend across theopen rear 317 when in the open position.

The cable bracket 320 is configured to support a clamping assembly 395to secure the cable 390 to the cable bracket 320. FIGS. 24 and 27illustrates example clamping assemblies 395 for holding one or morecables. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, the closure wall 321 of the cablebracket 320 defines first apertures 327 that are sized and positioned toalign with fastener apertures of the clamping assemblies 395 mounted tothe cable bracket 320. Accordingly, the fastener can be inserted throughthe closure wall 321 (via the first apertures 327) in addition to theclamping assembly 395, thereby securing the clamping assembly 395 to theclosure wall 321.

Additional disclosure about example suitable clamping assemblies 395 canbe found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ [having attorneydocket number 02316.4221USP3], filed herewith, and titled “Fiber OpticCable with Flexible Conduit,” the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In certain examples, the cable bracket 320 includes support members 326spaced outwardly from the closure wall 321. For example, the supportmembers 326 can extend from a top member 322 and a bottom member 323that extend outwardly from the closure wall 321. In certain examples,the bottom and top members 322, 323 extend from the closure wall 321 ata non-perpendicular angle. The bottom and top members 322, 323 of thecable bracket 320 are shorter than the closure wall 321 to accommodateand provide access to the cables 390 and the cable brackets 320. Thesupport members 326 define second apertures 328.

FIGS. 26 and 28 also illustrate examples of a bracket covers 330configured to be utilized in the chassis system 300. The bracket cover330 includes a closure wall 331 that is coupled to a hinge bracket 334via a hinge 335. The hinge bracket 334 is coupled to the chassis housing311 (e.g., at one of the sidewalls 313) to pivotally mount the bracketcover 330 to the chassis 310. Accordingly, in the example shown, thebracket cover 330 is configured to pivot between a closed position andan open position. The bracket cover 330 extends at least partiallyacross the open rear 317 of the chassis housing 311 when in the closedposition. The bracket cover 330 does not extend across the open rear 317when in the open position.

The bracket cover 330 is configured to secure to the cable bracket 320to hold the cable bracket 320 in position. For example, the closure wall331 includes or is coupled to a fastening section 336 (FIGS. 25 and 27)that defines apertures 337 (FIGS. 26 and 28) that align with the secondapertures 328 of the cable bracket 320 when the bracket cover 330 andcable bracket 320 are disposed in the closed positions. One or morefasteners (e.g., set screws) 338 extend through the apertures 337 andthe second apertures 328 to releasably secure the bracket cover 330 tothe cable bracket 320. Loosening or removing the fasteners 338 enablesthe bracket cover 330 to be moved (e.g., pivoted) away from the cablebracket 320.

The cable port(s) 308 are defined by a gap between the closure wall 321of the cable bracket 320 and the closure wall 331 of the bracket cover330. A top member 332 and a bottom member 333 can extend from thebracket cover closure wall 331 to the cable bracket closure wall 321.The top and bottom members 332, 333 cooperate with the bracket coverclosure wall 331 to protect optical fibers of the multi-fiber cables390. In certain examples, a flange 339 also can extend over a portion ofthe gap to further protect the optical fibers 390. In the example shown,the flange 339 extends from the bracket cover closure wall 331 at anon-perpendicular angle.

In some implementations, the cable bracket 320 and the bracket cover 330are symmetrical about a horizontal axis. Accordingly, each of the cablebracket 320 and the bracket cover 330 can be selectively mounted toeither side 305, 306 of the chassis housing 311, e.g., by flipping thepiece upside down. The cable bracket 320 and bracket cover 330 enable auser, during installation of the chassis system 300, to select fromwhich of the sides 305, 306 of the chassis system 300 the user wants tointroduce the multi-fiber cable(s) 390. The user mounts the cablebracket 320 to the selected side 305, 306 and mounts the bracket cover330 to the other side 305, 306. Furthermore, in systems 300 utilizingmultiple pairs of cable brackets 320 and bracket covers 330, the usermay select to face one of the ports 308 to the first side 305 and faceanother of the ports to the second side 306.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the chassis 310 canbe flipped upside-down to change the direction in which the port 308faces without using tools. Flipping the chassis 310 causes the port 308to face in the opposite direction from where it was facing. The guides318 of the chassis 310 are structured to receive the blades 350, 360 ina first orientation and in a second orientation that is flipped 180°from the first orientation. Accordingly, the blades 350, 360 can beinstalled in the chassis 310 when the chassis is disposed in a firstorientation and the blades 350, 360 also can be installed in the chassis310 when the chassis 310 is disposed in a second orientation that isflipped 180° from the first orientation.

When the bladed chassis system 300 is installed at a frame, the chassis310 can be installed in either the first orientation or the secondorientation based on where the cable is routed to on the frame. If thecable is routed to the first side of the frame, then the chassis 310 canbe installed in the first orientation so that the cable port 308 facesthe first side of the frame. If the cable is routed to the second sideof the frame, then the chassis 310 can be installed in the secondorientation so that the cable port 308 faces the second side of theframe. The blades 350, 360 can be inserted into the chassis in the sameorientation relative to the frame regardless of whether the chassis ismounted in the frame in the first or second orientation.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate example blades 350, 360 configured to mountwithin the interior 315 of a bladed chassis system 300. Each blade 350,360 includes a base 351 having slides 352 disposed at opposite sidesthereof. The slides 352 are configured to ride in the guides 318 definedin the chassis 310. The slides 352 enable the blade 350, 360 to slideforwardly and rearwardly relative to the chassis 310. Each slide 352includes a first release 352 a at the forward end of the blade 350, 360and a second release 352 b at the rearward end of the blade 350. Eachblade 350, 360 also includes a forward and rearward catch or stop 353 a,353 b, respectively. Flexing the first release 352 a releases theforward stop 353 a from an interior surface of the chassis sidewall 313and/or guide 318. Flexing the second release 352 b releases the rearwardstop 353 b from an interior surface of the chassis sidewall 313 and/orguide 318. In certain examples, the second release 352 b curves inwardlyfrom the respective guide 352 and then curves back outwardly to form afinger catch portion 357. To release the rearward stop 353 b, the userpresses a finger against the finger catch portion 357 to deflect thefinger catch portion 357 inwardly relative to the guide 352.

A front edge 354 of the base 351 is disposed at an intermediate positionalong the slides 352. A rearward edge is disposed towards the rearwardend of the slides 352. In certain examples, a flange 358 extends from arearward edge of the base 351 of the blade 350, 360. In some examples,the flange 358 defines one or more openings 359 to provide a handle fora user to withdraw the blade 350, 360 through the rear 317 of thechassis 310. In other examples, the flange 358 otherwise provides ahandle or handhold for the user to manipulate the blade 350, 360 fromthe rear 302 of the chassis system 300.

In some implementations, the blade 350, 360 also includes one or morecable managers 380. Each cable manager 380 is configured to retain oneor more optical fibers at the cable manager 380. For example, each cablemanager 380 includes a bend radius limiting surface 381, a retentionmember 382 extending outwardly from the bend radius limiting surface381, and a fiber catch 383 disposed at an opposite end of the retentionmember 382 from the bend radius limiting surface 381. In certainexamples, an inner surface of the fiber catch 383 defines a second bendradius limiting surface. In certain examples, an outer surface of thefiber catch 383 is contoured to facilitate sliding insertion of opticalfibers into the gap provided between the retention member 382 and thebase 351 of the blade 350, 360.

One or more support members 355 extend forwardly from the front edge 354of the blade 350, 360. An adapter mounting arrangement 370 can bemounted to the support member 355. In certain examples, the supportmember 355 includes connection structures that cooperate with connectionstructures on the adapter mounting arrangement 370. In the exampleshown, the support members 355 and adapter mounting arrangements 370 arethe same as the support members 155 and adapter mounting arrangements170 of FIGS. 9-12.

In some implementations, an example blade 350 includes a retention arm365 that extend outwardly from the front edge 354 of the blade base 351between two adjacent ones of the adapter mounting arrangements 370 (seeFIG. 29). The retention arm 365 is the same as the retention arm 165 ofFIGS. 9-12. In other implementations, an example blade 360 does notinclude retention arms 365. Rather, no structure extends from the frontedge 354 of the blade base 351 between the adapter mounting arrangements370. In certain implementations, a retention section 373 of the adaptermounting arrangement 370 can extend from components mounted to the blade360. For example, in one implementation, the retention section 373,which is substantially the same as the retention section 173 of FIGS.9-12, extends outwardly from an adapter block 200, from between twoadapter blocks 200, or from a fiber optic module/cassette 400.

FIGS. 30-32 illustrate one example fiber optic module/cassette 400 thatis configured for use within the chassis/frame of FIGS. 22-28. Thecassette 400 includes a number of connection locations for inputtingfiber optic signals thereinto for processing. In the depictedembodiment, the connection locations are defined by fiber optic adapters405 (FIG. 32). In certain examples, the adapters may be of the MPOformat so that they are configured to receive fiber optic connectorshaving an MPO footprint. Other styles may be used.

The cassette 400 includes a casette housing generally formed by a baseportion 401 that is enclosed by a cover portion 402. The fiber opticadapters 405 can be snapped into the base portion 401 and the coverportion 402 can enclose the adapters 405, any fiber optic devices withinthe cassette 400 for processing the input signals, and any cablingtherein.

In the depicted embodiment, the MPO type adapters 405 are positioned ata front of the cassette 400 and are used to both input and output fiberoptic signals via cables terminated with connectors. As shown, theadapters 405 are configured to be snap-fit to the base portion 401 ofthe cassette 400 via flexible cantilever tabs 403 (FIG. 32). Otherfixation methods may be used. In other implementations, the signal inputlocations (or output locations) may be at different locations on thecassette such as at the rear of the cassette.

As shown in FIG. 32, the cassette 400 may include spools 404 definingcable retainers 406 for managing cables within the cassette housing 400.In some implementations, the cable retainers 406 extend from an oppositeside of the spools 404 from the base 401. In other implementations, thecable retainers 406 can extend from intermediate positions along thespools 404.

The optical equipment housed within the cassette 400 for processing thesignals may include a variety of equipment. For example, the housedequipment may be fiber optic splitters, combiners,multiplexer/demultiplexers, filters, etc. The cassettes 400 may alsoinclude splices 407 for simply splicing input cables to cables that arewithin the cassette 400 that have been terminated with connectorsleading to the front adapters 405. These connectors may mate withoutside connectors via the adapters 405.

As noted above, the adapter mounting arrangements 370 of the blades 350,360 have retention sections 373 that support the cables extendingforwardly of the blades 350, 360. The retention sections 373 helpsupport cables as they extend from the blades 350, 360 to the rightand/or left sides of the chassis 310. However, when larger sizedcassettes 400 are used with the blades 360 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 30),cables extending from the adapters 405 to the retention sections 373 maystill experience some sagging or tangling due to the large distancesbetween the connection points and the retention sections 373 of theblades 360.

For this reason, the cassettes 400 may be configured with their owncable managers 408 that provide support at the center point of thecassettes 400 to limit sagging or tangling as the cables are lead fromthe connection points to the retention sections 373 of the blades 360.In the example shown, the cable managers 408 have substantially the samestructure as the retention sections 373 of the adapter mountingarrangements 370. In certain examples, the cable managers 408 also caninclude adapter mount structures (e.g., adapter mount structures 175) ofthe adapter mounting arrangements 170, 370.

According to one example version, the cassette cable manager 408 may beremovable mounted to the cassette 400 via snap-fit interlocks. In thedepicted version, the cable manager 408 is snap-fit to the base portion401 of the cassette 400 via flexible cantilever tabs 409 (similar tothose used for the adapters 405). In certain examples, the cassettecable manager 408 also defines tabs that are used in snap-fitting thecover portion 402 to the base portion 401.

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate an example hinge arrangement 460 that couplesan example front panel 450 to an example chassis. In the example shown,the chassis is a 1 RU chassis. In other implementations, the chassis 310can be any desired size (e.g., 2 RU, 3 RU, 4 RU, 5 RU, 6 RU, etc.). Thefront panel 450 is configured to extend across an open front of thechassis. In the example shown, the front panel 450 is configured topivot downwardly from a closed position to an open position to provideaccess to the blades within the chassis from the front of the chassis.

The hinge arrangement 460 includes a door arrangement 460, an elongatedpivot member 465, a support member 455 and an attachment member 458. Thesupport member 455 and the attachment member 458 are mounted to thechassis at the top and bottom of the front opening, respectively. Thedoor arrangement 460 mounts to the front panel 450. The elongated pivotmember 465 mounts the door arrangement 460 to the support member 455.The front panel 450 pivots about an axis defined by the support member455 and/or the elongated pivot member 465.

The door arrangement 460 includes a body 461 having a pin 462 at a firstend and defining a passage 463 towards an opposite second end. Theattachment member 458 defines an open-ended recess 459 sized to receivethe pin 462 of the door arrangement 460. Engagement between theattachment member 458 and the pin 462 holds the front panel 450 in theclosed position relative to the chassis. The open-ended channel 459 isconfigured to allow the pin 462 to be snapped in and out of the channel459.

The elongated pivot member 465 extends from a first end to a second end.The first end includes a first pivot pin 466 that extends through thepassage 463 of the door arrangement body 461. The second end of theelongated pivot member 465 defines an opening 468. In certain examples,the pivot member 465 bends or otherwise defines a contour between thefirst and second ends. In the example shown, the elongated pivot member465 has an L-shape.

The support member 455 includes a second pin 456 configured to extendthrough the opening 468 in the pivot member 465. In certain examples,the second pin 456 may have a curved end 457 that aids in retaining thepivot member 465 on the second pin 456. As the front panel 450 movesbetween the open and closed positions, the second end of the pivotmember 465 pivots about the second pin 456 and the front panel 450pivots about the first pivot pin 466.

In other implementations, the support member 455 can disposed at the topof the open front and the attachment member 458 can be disposed at thebottom of the open front to enable the front panel 450 to pivot upwardlyto the open position.

FIGS. 35-47 illustrate an example implementations of latching assembliessuitable for use on any blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to allow the blade150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to move relative to the chassis system 100,100′, 300. Each latching assembly includes a latching arrangement thatcouples to one side of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 and a guidemember that couples to one sidewall of the chassis housing 111, 311.Typically, each chassis sidewall supports a guide member and each sideof the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 supports a latching arrangement.

In certain implementations, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 isremovable from the chassis housing 111, 311 through the front. Incertain implementations, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 is removablefrom the chassis housing 111, 311 through the rear. In certainimplementations, a user can choose whether to remove the blade 150, 160,350, 360, 550 from the chassis housing 111, 311 through the front orthrough the rear.

In systems utilizing either of the latching assemblies, the blade 150,160, 350, 360, 550 is movable relative to the chassis housing 111, 311between an operation position, a connector access position, and anadapter access position. In an example, the connector access position islocated forwardly of the operation position, and the adapter accessposition is located forwardly of the connector access position. Incertain implementations, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 is movablerelative to the chassis housing 111, 311 to a discrete position rearwardof the operation position. As the term is used herein, a “discrete”position indicates a position at which the user receives some type offeedback (e.g., tactile feedback, audible feedback, etc.) that the blade150, 160, 350, 360, 550 has reached a predetermined position relative tothe chassis.

In certain implementations, the latching assemblies are configured tolock the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 in one or more of the discretepositions. As the term is used herein, a blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550is “locked” in position if the user must take affirmative steps beyondapplying forward/rearward pressure to the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550to move the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relative to the chassis 111,311.

In certain implementations, the latching assemblies are configured tolock the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relative to the chassis in theoperation position. In certain implementations, the latching assembliesare configured to lock the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relative to thechassis in the connector access position. In certain implementations,the latching assemblies are configured to lock the blade 150, 160, 350,360, 550 relative to the chassis in the operation position and in theadapter access position. In certain implementations, the latchingassemblies are configured to lock the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550relative to the chassis in the adapter access position. In certainimplementations, the latching assemblies are configured to lock theblade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relative to the chassis in any discreteposition.

FIGS. 35-42 illustrate a first example latching assembly including anexample latching arrangement 520 and an example guide member 500. Thelatching arrangements 520 and guide members 500 interact with each otherto enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to move between an operatingposition and a connector access position in which the blade 150, 160,350, 360, 550 is disposed forwardly relative to the chassis housing 111,311. In certain implementations, the latching arrangements 520 and guidemembers 500 interact to enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to moveforward of the connector access position to an adapter access position.In certain implementations, the latching arrangements 520 and guidemembers 500 interact to enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to belocked in one or more of the operation position, the connector accessposition, and the adapter access position.

In certain implementations, the latching arrangements 520 and guidemembers 500 interact to enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to beremoved from the chassis housing 111, 311 through a front of the chassishousing 111, 311. For example, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 can beslid forward from the adapter access position until the blade 150, 160,350, 360, 550 disconnects from the chassis housing 111, 311. In certainimplementations, the latching arrangements 520 and guide members 500interact to enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to be removed fromthe chassis housing 111, 311 through a rear of the chassis housing 111,311. For example, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 can be slid rearwardfrom the operation position until the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550disconnects from the chassis housing 111, 311.

FIGS. 36-37 illustrate an example guide member 500 extending between afront 501 and a rear 502. The guide member 500 has an inner surface 503through which one or more channels 504 are defined. The channels 504 areelongated between the front 501 and rear 502 of the inner surface 503.Each channel 504 is sized to receive the slide 520 of one blade 150,160, 350, 360, 550. In the example shown, the guide member 500 definesthree channels 504. Accordingly, the guide member 500 is configured tohold and guide three blades 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 when mounted to achassis sidewall. In other examples, the guide member 500 can define agreater or lesser number of channels 504 (e.g., one channel, twochannels, four channels, eight channels, etc.).

A forward end 505 of each channel 504 is open to the front 501 of thechassis housing. In some implementations, the forward end 505 is rampedor curved relative to the inner surface 503 to guide the blade slide 520into/out of the channel 504 from the front 501 of the guide member 500.In other implementations, the forward end 505 of each channel 504 isopen to the front without tapering. In some implementations, a rearwardend 506 of each channel 504 is ramped or curved relative to the innersurface 503 to guide the blade slide 520 into/out of the channel 504from the rear 502 of the guide member 500. In other implementations, therearward end 506 of each channel 504 is open to the rear of the chassishousing without tapering.

A notch 507 is defined in the inner surface 503 at a stop location alongthe channel 504. In the example shown, the notch 507 is disposed towardsthe forward end 505 of the channel 504. For example, the ramp or taperat the forward end 505 may extend between the notch 507 and the front501 of the guide member 500. In the example shown, the notch 507 extendsthrough the inner surface 503 above and below the channel 504. In otherexamples, the notch 507 may be defined only above or only below thechannel 504. A forward portion of the notch 507 defines a rearwardfacing shoulder 508. A rearward portion of the notch 507 defines aforward facing shoulder 509. In other implementations, however, theforward portion and/or rearward portion may define a cam path rampingfrom the channel 504 to the inner surface 503.

A trough 510 is recessed into each channel 504 along a portion of thechannel 504. The trough 510 extends from a forward end 511 to a rearwardend 512. The forward end 511 of the trough 510 is recessed rearwardlyfrom the forward end 505 of the channel 504. The rearward end 512 of thetrough 510 is recessed forwardly from the rearward end 506 of thechannel 504. In some implementations, the forward end 511 of the trough510 defines a rearward facing shoulder and the rearward end 512 of thetrough 510 defines a cam path from the trough 510 to the channel 504. Inother implementations, however, the forward end 511 may define a campath and/or the rearward end 512 may define a forward facing shoulder.

FIGS. 38-42 illustrate an example latching arrangement 520 suitable forriding along the guide member 500. The latching arrangement 520 includesa body 523 that extends between a front end 521 and a rear end 522. Thebody 523 includes a slide 524 that is sized and shaped to ride along thechannel 504 of the guide member 500. The body 523 also includes at leastone forward stop member 525 and at least one rearward stop member 526.In certain implementations, the forward stop member 525 does not extendlaterally outwardly beyond the slide 524 and the rearward stop member526 extends laterally outwardly beyond the slide 526 (see FIG. 38). Incertain examples, the body 523 includes two forward stop members aboveand below the slide 524. In certain examples, the rearward stop member526 extends outwardly from a middle location (between top and bottom) ofthe slide 504 towards the rear of the slide 504.

The body 523 also includes a forward handle 527 that is configured todeflect laterally inwardly relative to the blade 150, 160, 350, 360,550. In the example shown, deflecting the forward handle 527 laterallyinwardly causes the forward stop members 525 to move towards the blade150, 160, 350, 360, 550. The body 523 also includes a rearward handle528 that is configured to deflect laterally inwardly relative to theblade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550. Deflecting the rearward handle 528laterally inwardly causes the rearward stop members 526 to move towardsthe blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550.

A leaf spring 530 is coupled to the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 tostrengthen the forward handle 527. The leaf spring 530 has a mountingportion 531 that couples to the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550. Incertain implementations, the leaf spring 530 also has a first end 532that inhibits laterally inward deformation over time of the forwardhandle 527. For example, the leaf spring 530 may counteract the effectsof material deformation within the forward handle 527 that otherwisewould have allowed the undeflected position of the forward handle 527 tocreep inwardly over time. In certain implementations, the first end 532applies a force to the forward handle 527 at a location offset from theforward stop member 525.

In some implementations, a latch member 540 also is coupled to the blade150, 160, 350, 360, 550. The latch member 540 includes a latch body 541that is coupled to the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 at a pivot location542. The latch body 541 is elongated between a forward end and arearward end. The forward and rearward ends pivot relative to the blade150, 160, 350, 360, 550 about the pivot location 542. The forward end ofthe latch body 541 defines a handle 543. The rearward end of the latchbody 541 includes a stop member 544. When the handle 543 is deflectedlaterally outwardly, the stop member 544 deflects laterally inwardly.

In certain implementations, the leaf spring 530 is configured to biasthe stop member 544 of the latch member 540 laterally outwardly (seeFIGS. 39 and 40). Laterally outward deflection of the latch handle 543causes laterally inward deflection of the stop member 544 (see FIGS. 41and 42). In certain examples, the leaf spring 530 has a second end 533that engages the latch body 541 rearward of the pivot location 542. Incertain examples, the second end 533 of the leaf spring 530 is oppositethe first end 532. In certain implementations, the leaf spring 530 iscurved between the first and second ends 532, 533.

In use, when the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 is disposed in theoperation position relative to the chassis 111, 311, the slide 524 ofeach latch arrangement 520 is disposed in the channel 504 of arespective guide member 500. The forward stop member(s) 525 are disposedin the notch 507 at the forward end 505 of the channel 504. The rearwardstop member 526 is disposed at the rearward end 512 of the trough 510defined in the channel 504. Engagement between the forward stopmember(s) 525 and the rearward facing shoulders 508 at the notch 507inhibit forward movement of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relativeto the chassis housing 111, 311. Engagement between the rearward stopmember 526 and the forward facing shoulder at the rearward end 512inhibits rearward movement of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relativeto the chassis housing 111, 311. In certain examples, engagement betweenthe forward stop member(s) 525 and the forward facing shoulder 509 atthe notch 507 inhibit rearward movement of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360,550 relative to the chassis housing 111, 311. The stop member 544 of thelatch member 540 is deflected inwardly through engagement with theinterior surface 503 of the guide member 500.

To move the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 forwardly to the connectoraccess position, a user deflects the forward handle 527 of the latchingarrangement 520, which retracts the forward stop member(s) 525 from theguide member notch 507. Retracting the forward stop member(s) 525 freesthe blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 for forward movement. As the blade150, 160, 350, 360, 550 moves forwardly, the slide 504 glides throughthe channel 504 and the rearward stop member 526 slides along the trough510. When the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 reaches the connector accessposition, the stop member 544 of the latch member 540 snaps into thenotch 507. Engagement between the stop member 544 and the rearwardfacing shoulders 508 at the notch 507 inhibit forward movement of theblade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relative to the chassis housing 111, 311.In certain implementations, engagement between the stop member 544 andthe forward facing shoulder 509 at the notch 507 inhibit rearwardmovement of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relative to the chassishousing 111, 311.

To move the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 from the connector accessposition, the user deflects the handle 543 of the latch member 540 (FIG.41) to retract the stop member 544 from the notch 507 (FIG. 42). Whenthe stop member 544 is retracted from the notch 507, the blade 150, 160,350, 360, 550 is free to move either forwardly to the adapter accessposition or rearwardly to the operation position. When the blade 150,160, 350, 360, 550 reaches the adapter access position, the rear stopmember 526 engages the forward end 511 of the trough 510. In certainimplementations, the engagement between the rear stop member 526 and theforward end 511 provide tactile feedback to the user that the blade 150,160, 350, 360, 550 has reached a discrete position.

In certain implementations, the rear stop member 526 has a forwardramped surface configured to ride out of trough 510 when sufficientforward force is applied to the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550.Accordingly, in such implementations, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550can be pulled forwardly out of the chassis from the adapter accessposition by applying a forward removal force to the blade. In certainimplementations, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 can be returned tothe connector access positon by applying a rearward force to the blade150, 160, 350, 360, 550.

To remove the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 from the chassis through therear of the chassis, a user deflects the rearward handle 528 of thelatching arrangement 520, which retracts the rearward stop member(s) 526from the rear end 512 of the trough 5510. Retracting the rearward stopmember(s) 526 frees the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 for rearwardmovement. As the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 moves rearwardly, theslide 504 glides through the channel 504 and the forward stop member 525slides along the interior surface 503 of the guide member 500.

FIGS. 43-47 illustrate another example implementation of a latchingassembly suitable for use on any of the blades 150, 160, 350, 360, 550and chassis systems disclosed herein. The latching assembly includes anexample latching arrangement 620 and an example guide member 600. Thelatching arrangements 620 and guide members 600 interact with each otherto enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to move between an operatingposition and a connector access position in which the blade 150, 160,350, 360, 550 is disposed forwardly of the operating position. Incertain implementations, the latching arrangements 520 and guide members500 interact to enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to move forwardof the connector access position to an adapter access position. Incertain implementations, the latching arrangements 520 and guide members500 interact to enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to be locked inone or more of the operation position, the connector access position,and the adapter access position.

In certain implementations, the latching arrangements 520 and guidemembers 500 interact to enable the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to beremoved from the chassis housing 111, 311 through a front of the chassishousing 111, 311. For example, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 can beslid forward from the adapter access position until the blade 150, 160,350, 360, 550 disconnects from the chassis housing 111, 311. In certainexamples, a front portion of the latching arrangement 520 must beaccessed to remove the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 from the chassisthrough the front of the chassis. In certain implementations, thelatching arrangements 520 and guide members 500 interact to enable theblade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 to be removed from the chassis housing111, 311 through a rear of the chassis housing 111, 311. For example,the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 can be slid rearward from theoperation position until the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 disconnectsfrom the chassis housing 111, 311. In certain examples, a rear portionof the latching arrangement 520 must be accessed to remove the blade150, 160, 350, 360, 550 from the chassis through the rear of thechassis.

FIG. 44 illustrates an example guide member 600 extending between afront 601 and a rear 602. The guide member 600 is configured to besecured to a sidewall of the chassis. In certain implementations, theguide member 600 does not move relative to the chassis. In certainimplementations, the guide member 600 includes a rail configured toglide within a channel defined by the latching arrangement 620 (e.g.,see FIG. 43).

The guide member 600 has an inner surface 603 in which one or morerecessed troughs 604 are defined. In the example shown, a first trough604 extends rearwardly from a pocket 605 to a rearward end 606. Incertain implementations, the pocket 605 defines a rearward facingshoulder. In certain implementations, the rearward end 607 of the trough610 defines a forward facing shoulder. In certain implementations, thepocket 605 is taller than the trough 604. For example, the pocket 605may extend outwardly beyond a top and bottom of the trough 604 (see FIG.44). In certain implementations, cam paths 606 ramp from the interiorsurface 603 above and below the trough 604 down into the pocket 605 (seeFIG. 44).

In some examples, a second trough 608 is defined in the inner surface603 rearward of the first trough 604. In examples, the second trough 608is aligned with and spaced rearwardly from the first trough 604. Thesecond trough 608 is open at the rear. In certain implementations, thesecond trough 608 is ramped or tapered at the front. In certainexamples, the forward end of the guide member 600 defines a rampedportion 609. In certain implementations, an additional pocket can bedisposed in the inner surface 603 forward of the first trough 610.

FIGS. 45-47 illustrate an example latching arrangement 620 suitable forsliding along the guide member 600. The latching arrangement 620 extendsbetween a front end 621 and a rear end 622. The latching arrangement 620includes a body 623 that supports a first handle 630, a second handle640, and one or more stop members. As shown in FIG. 45, the body 623 caninclude a first body member 623 a and a second body member 623 b thatsandwich the handles 630, 640 and stop members 652, 654, 656therebetween. The first handle 630 extends forwardly of the body 623.The first handle 630 defines a grip portion 633 that is accessible fromthe front 621 of the latching arrangement 620. The second handle 640extends rearwardly of the body 623. The second handle 640 defines a gripportion 643 that is accessible from the rear 622 of the latchingarrangement 620.

Each handle 630, 640 is movable forwardly and rearwardly along arespective travel distance relative to the body 623. For example, eachhandle 630, 640 may be forwardly movable from a starting position alonga forward travel distance and rearwardly movable from the startingposition along a rearward travel distance. The first handle 630 isseparate from the second handle 640 so that forward movement of thefirst handle 630 does not affect the second handle 640 and rearwardmovement of the second handle 640 does not affect the first handle 630.The handles 630, 640 are separated by a gap G (FIG. 45). Rearwardmovement of the first handle 630 causes the first handle 630 to crossthe gap G and then to move the second handle 640 rearwardly over aportion of the second handle's rearward travel distance. Forwardmovement of the second handle 640 causes the second handle 640 to crossthe gap G and then to move the first handle 630 forwardly over a portionof the first handle's forward travel distance.

In the example shown, the latching arrangement 620 includes a first stopmember 652, a second stop member 654, and a third stop member 656. Inother implementations, the latching arrangement 620 can include agreater or lesser number of stop members. Each stop member 562, 564, 566is movable relative to the body 623 between an extended position and aretracted position. When in the extended position, the stop member 652,654, 656 extends beyond the body 623 towards the guide member 600. Incertain implementations, the first stop member 652 defines a rearwardlyfacing ramp surface 653 and the second stop member 654 defines aforwardly facing ramp surface 655. In the example shown, the first stopmember 652 is taller than the second and third stop members 654, 656.

In some implementations, the body 623 can define a first stop membermounting location 626, a second stop member mounting location 627, and athird stop member mounting location 628. The stop member mountinglocations 626, 627, 628 are configured to guide the movement of the stopmembers 652, 654, 656 between the retracted and extended positions. Forexample, in certain implementations, the stop member mounting locations626, 627, 628 are configured to maintain linear movement of the stopmembers 652, 654, 656. In an example, one or more of the stop membermounting locations 626, 627, 628 define grooves along which the stopmembers 652, 654, 656 glide.

Movement of the first and second handles 630, 640 moves the stop members652, 654, 656 between extended and retracted positions. In someimplementations, one or more of the stop members 652, 654, 656 arespring-biased to the extended position. The body 623 includes one ormore walls 629 against which the handles 630, 640 are disposed. Thewalls 629 retain the handles 630, 640 within the body against the biasof the one or more springs. Each handle 630, 640 defines an opening 634,644, 646 through which a respective one of the stop members 652, 654,656 protrudes when in the extended position. The openings 634, 644, 646are sufficiently wide to accommodate relative movement between thehandles 630, 640 and the stop members 652, 654, 656.

In some implementations, the first and second stop members 652, 654 arespring-biased to the extended position. Movement of the handles 630, 640retracts the respective stop members 652, 654. Each handle 630, 640defines a cam path 635, 645 along which a portion of the respective stopmember 652, 654 rides when the handle 630, 640 is moved. For example, asshown in FIG. 46, each cam path 635, 645 may define an outer ramp 635 a,645 a and an inner ramp 635 b, 645 b. A spring biases the first andsecond stop members 652, 654 to starting positions SP1, SP2 along thecam path 635, 645.

When the first handle 630 is pulled forwardly (e.g. using grip portion633), a portion of the first stop member 652 rides over the inner ramp635 a of the first handle 630 from the starting position SP1 to retractthe first top member 652. Forward movement of the first handle 630 doesnot affect the second handle 640 and, accordingly, does not affect thesecond or third stop members 654, 656. When the second handle 640 ispulled rearwardly (e.g., using grip portion 643), a portion of thesecond stop member 654 rides over the inner ramp 645 a of the secondhandle 640 from the starting position SP2 to retract the second topmember 654. Rearward movement of the second handle 640 does not affectthe first handle 630 and, accordingly, does not affect the first stopmember 652.

When the first handle 630 is pushed rearwardly, the first handle 630travels across a gap G (FIG. 45) to engage the second handle 640.Continued rearward movement of the first handle 630 moves the secondhandle 640 rearwardly. As the first handle 630 is moved rearwardly, theportion of the first stop member 652 rides over the outer ramp 635 b ofthe cam path 635 from the starting position SP1 to retract the firststop member 652. Due to the travel across the gap G, the second handle640 is moved less than its full rearward travel distance. Accordingly,the second stop member 654 rides only part of the way along the outerramp 645 b and is only partially retracted. Likewise, when the secondhandle 640 is pushed forwardly, the second handle 640 travels across agap G (FIG. 45) to engage the first handle 630 and then moves the firsthandle 630 forwardly. As the second handle 640 is moved rearwardly, theportion of the second stop member 654 rides over the outer ramp 645 b ofthe cam path 645 from the starting position SP2 to retract the secondstop member 654. Due to the travel across the gap G, the first handle630 is moved less than its full forward travel distance. Accordingly,the first stop member 652 rides only part of the way along the outerramp 635 b and is only partially retracted.

In certain implementations, the third stop member 656 is not springbiased. In certain examples, the third stop member 656 includes a peg657 that slides along a track 647 defined by the second handle 640. Thetrack 647 has a first section 647 a and a second section 647 b connectedby a short transition section. When the peg 657 is disposed in the firstsection 647 a of the track 647, the third stop member 656 is retracted.When the peg 657 is disposed in the second section 647 b of the track647, the third stop member 656 is extended. When the second handle 640is disposed in the start position (i.e., the second stop member 654 isdisposed in the start position SP2), the peg 657 is disposed in thefirst track 647 a. Rearward movement of the second handle 640 moves thepeg 657 into the second section 647 b. The rearward movement sufficientto move the peg 657 to the second section 647 b of the track 647 issufficient to only partially retract the second stop member 654.

In use, when the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 is disposed in theoperation position relative to the chassis 111, 311, the first stopmember 652 is biased (e.g., by a coil spring) to extend into the pocket605 defined in the guide member 600. Engagement between the first stopmember 652 and a forward edge of the pocket 605 inhibits forward motionof the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relative to the chassis. The secondstop member 654 is biased (e.g., by a coil spring) to extend into therearward end 607 of the trough 604. Engagement between the second stopmember 654 and the forwardly facing shoulder at the rearward end 607inhibits rearward movement of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550. Thethird stop member remains in the retracted position.

To remove the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 from the chassis through therear of the chassis, the user pulls the grip portion 643 of the secondhandle 640 to move the second handle 640 rearwardly. Rearward movementof the second handle 640 retracts the second stop member 654, therebyallowing the second stop member 654 to clear the rearward edge 607 ofthe trough 604. Rearward movement of the second handle 640 also extendsthe third stop member 656 into the second trough 608. As the blade 150,160, 350, 360, 550 is pulled rearwardly, the third stop member 656glides along the second trough 608 and the second stop member 654 glidesinitially along an interior surface 603 of the guide member 600 andsubsequently along the second trough 608. The first stop member 652 issufficiently tall to align with the ramp 606 at the pocket 605.Accordingly, forward motion of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 causesthe first stop member 652 to ride up the ramps 606 to retract the firststop member 652. The first stop member 652 then rides along the innerguide surface 603 until reaching the rear end of the guide member 600.

Alternatively, to move the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 forwardly fromthe operation position to the connector access position, a user pullsthe grip portion 633 of the first handle 630 to move the first handle630 forwardly. Forward movement of the first handle 630 retracts thefirst stop member 652 from the pocket 605, thereby allowing forwardmovement of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550. The second stop member654 rides in the trough 604 until the seconds top member 654 reaches thepocket 605. Engagement between the second stop member 654 and theforward edge of the pocket 605 inhibits forward motion of the blade 150,160, 350, 360, 550 relative to the chassis.

Releasing the first handle 630 allows the spring of the first stopmember 652 to bias the first handle 630 to a starting position, whichextends the first stop member 652. In some implementations, the firststop member 652 engages a forward edge of the guide member 600 toinhibit rearward movement of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 relativeto the chassis. In other implementations, the first stop member 652extends into a second pocket (not shown), which is defined by the guidemember 600 forward of the pocket 605, to inhibit rearward movement ofthe blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550. Releasing the first handle 630 doesnot affect the second handle 640.

To move the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 forwardly from the connectoraccess position to the adapter access position, the user pushesrearwardly on the first handle 630. While the first handle 630 isdepressed rearwardly, the user pulls the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550forwardly. To facilitate these steps, the body 623 of the latchingarrangement 620 defines a finger notch 624 that the user can grasp whiledepressing the first handle 630. The user squeezes the grip portion 633of the first handle 630 and the finger notch 624 to effect the forwardmotion of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 while pushing the firsthandle 630 rearwardly.

Moving the first handle 630 rearwardly retracts the first stop member652. Moving the first handle 630 rearwardly also pushes the secondhandle 640 rearwardly along a partial rearward travel distance.Accordingly, the second stop member 654 is partially retracted and thethird stop member 656 is extended. Partially retracting the second stopmember 654 enables the second stop member 654 to cam out of the pocket605 upon forward movement of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550. Forexample, forward ramp surface 655 of the second stop member 654 aids incamming the second stop member 654 out of the pocket 605. The third stopmember 656 glides along the trough 604 until reaching the pocket 605.Engagement between the third stop member 656 and the forward edge of thepocket 605 inhibits forward motion of the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550relative to the chassis.

Releasing the first handle 630 allows the spring of the first stopmember 652 to bias the first handle 630 to a starting position andallows the spring of the second stop member 654 to bias the secondhandle 640 to the starting position. Accordingly, the third stop member656 is retracted, thereby freeing the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 forforward movement. Thereby, the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 can beremoved from the chassis through the front of the chassis.

To move the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 rearwardly from the adapteraccess position to the connector access position, the user pushesrearwardly on the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550. The third stop member656 will remain retracted. The second stop member 654 will ride alongthe interior guide surface 603. If the second stop member 654 isdisposed forward of the guide 600 when in the adapter access position,then the ramp 609 will cam the second stop member 654 into a retractedposition to enable the second stop member 654 to ride over the interiorguide surface 603. Upon reaching the connector access position, thesecond stop member 654 will be biased into the pocket 605.

To move the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 rearwardly from the connectoraccess position to the operation position, the user pushes forwardly onthe first handle 630, thereby retracting the first stop member 652 outof engagement with the guide member 600 (e.g., the front edge or thesecond pocket). The first stop member 652 can glide along the interiorguide surface 603 until reaching the first pocket 605. The second stopmember 654 glides along the trough 604 until reaching the rear end 607.Since the stop member 654 is spring biased outwardly, the second stopmember 654 will engage the forwardly facing shoulder at the rear end 607of the trough 604 to stop the tray at the operation position.

In certain implementations, even if the user pushes the first handle 630rearwardly when moving the blade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 rearwardly, theblade 150, 160, 350, 360, 550 will stop in the operation position. Dueto the gap, moving the first handle 630 rearwardly moves the secondhandle 640 only a portion of the rearward travel distance. Accordingly,the second stop member 654 is only partially retracted. The rearwardedge of the second stop member 654 is not ramped. Accordingly, partiallyretracting the second stop member 654 is not sufficient to allow thesecond stop member 654 to clear the rear end 607 of the trough 604.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chassis system comprising: a housing includingfirst and second sidewalls extending between a bottom wall and a topwall to define an interior, the first and second sides also extendingbetween an open front of the housing and an open rear of the housing,each of the first and second sides including a guide member; and aplurality of blades configured to slide relative to the housing and tobe retained within the housing, each blade including a latchingarrangement configured to cooperate with the guide member to lock theblade into at least one discrete position, and to allow the blade toselectively move relative to the housing between the discrete positionsso that the blades can be inserted and removed from the open front andcan be inserted and removed from the open rear at the discretion of theuser.